Cofinavit: Combine Your INFONAVIT Loan with Bank Financing

When your INFONAVIT loan amount isn't enough for the home you want, Cofinavit can be the solution. This program combines your loan from the Institute with a bank loan, expanding your buying power without giving up the advantages of either. In this 2026 guide we explain how it works, what requirements it has and who it suits best.

What Is Cofinavit?

Cofinavit is an INFONAVIT product that lets you combine your loan with one from an authorized bank or Sofom (non-bank lender). The idea is simple: you add the amount the Institute grants you to a bank loan to reach a larger sum and access a higher-value home.

In addition, your Subcuenta de Vivienda (housing savings sub-account) is used as part of the payment or down payment, which reduces the amount you need to finance. It's a very popular alternative for people with a good credit history and demonstrable ability to pay.

How Cofinavit Works

The program brings together two loans that run in parallel. The Institute contributes one part and the bank the other. Each has its own interest rate and term conditions, although the process is coordinated so that you purchase a single property.

Your 5% employer contributions are usually applied to pay down either the bank portion or the Institute's portion, depending on the specific arrangement. It's essential that you understand how each payment will be applied before you sign.

Pros and Cons

Cofinavit Requirements

• Have a current employment relationship and contribute to the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute).
• Meet the minimum points required by the Institute.
• Have a good record with the credit bureaus (sociedades de información crediticia).
• Prove sufficient income to cover the bank portion.
• Not have an active INFONAVIT loan.

If you don't yet know whether you meet the points requirement, first check our guide to INFONAVIT requirements and do your pre-qualification.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Pre-qualify with INFONAVIT and confirm your available amount.
2. Go to a bank that offers Cofinavit and request your authorization.
3. The bank evaluates your ability to pay and your credit history.
4. Choose the home and request the appraisal (avalúo).
5. Formalize both loans before a notary public (notario público) in a single transaction.

Who Is Cofinavit Right For?

Cofinavit is ideal for people with verifiable income and a good credit history who are looking for a home whose price exceeds their INFONAVIT loan. If your priority is to minimize the monthly payment and you don't urgently need a large amount, a traditional loan may suit you better, or you could combine loans with your partner through Unamos Crédito.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cofinavit and Cofinavit Ingresos Adicionales the same thing?

They are variants of the same concept. Some programs take additional income into account to increase the amount. Check with the bank and the Institute for the exact version available at the time you apply.

Can I choose any bank?

Only authorized banks and institutions offer Cofinavit. Check the current list of participants on the Institute's website.

Is the rate fixed?

The Institute's portion usually carries a fixed rate in pesos; the bank's portion depends on each institution. Confirm both sets of terms in writing before signing.

What happens if I lose my job?

The Institute's portion usually includes unemployment protections; the bank portion has its own rules. Review the coverage of each loan before you take it out.